Athletes and fans were treated to a spectacular ceremony at the Katara Cultural village before competition gets underway on Thursday. Flagbearer Hayes is part of a 23-strong South African contingent all doing their utmost to win prestigious slots at next year’s Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The ceremony was hosted by local youth ambassadors Ghanim Al Muftah, a 13-year-old boy born with the rare Caudal Regression Syndrome, and Nojood Mohammed Yacoub al-Kubaisi, a 12-year-old girl who is being raised by hearing impaired parents, and who has become a specialist in sign language.
The Games were officially opened by H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee. More than 1 300 athletes from roughly 100 countries will be in action at the Qatar Sports Club until October 31.
